1/19/2015 In celebration of Martin Luther King Day - I thought it appropriate to re-run this podcast about Major Taylor!
Minnesota author and cycling historian Terry Kerber joins me on this episode of the Podcast to discuss his book; Major Taylor: The Inspiring Story of a Black Cyclist and the Men Who Helped Him Achieve Worldwide Fame.
About Major Taylor
In 1907, amid a time of unspeakable racial cruelty, the world”™s most popular athlete was not pitcher Cy Young or center fielder Ty Cobb. During the height of the Jim Crow era, the world”™s most popular athlete wasn”™t even white. He was an oft-persecuted black bicycle racer who was denied meals, kicked out of hotels, forced to sleep in horse stables, trained by a washed-up former racer, and managed by a pugnacious Irish sports promoter and Broadway producer.This is the Inspiring story of Major Taylor and the men who helped him achieve worldwide fame…
Greg Lemond writes in his foreword to the book:
There are so many lessons in the pages of this epic story, but perhaps none are nobler than Taylor”™s transcendent ability to forgive those who tormented him on and off bike tracks. That is why I was honored to speak at the unveiling of the Major Taylor statue at the Worcester Public Library, to stand in the very city that sheltered him from the racial storms a century before. I am equally honored to write the Foreword to this engrossing book, written by two gifted writers and passionate cycling fans that just happen to live near my suburban twin cities home. As the sport of bike racing and our nation attempt to transition to a new and refreshing era of transparency, we would all be well-served to seek wisdom and guidance from the lessons left behind by this remarkable sportsman.
You can learn more about this incredible man and purchase a signed copy of the book at their website.
After listening to my interview with Terry you may feel as I do, that this could be an awesome movie. If you know anyone in the business please pass this along to them.
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John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Thank you for educating me and the world about Major Taylor. I’m a 46 year old African American, who teaches Indoor cycing in Seattle Wa. I’ve worn his cycling jersey all over the state and was amazed by people who had no idea about his story and our own history. I’m very very proud to help keep his name and story told!!! And so pleased to hear your pod cast about his life.
I joined your site because of the great resources and will continue to use it because it’s just plain great!!!
Thank You For all your hard work!!!
Chris Aka scrubdude Ransom
Seattle Wa
You are very welcome Scrubdude – love that name 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this great history about Major Taylor, an awesome cyclist and athlete!